Hello to the crew at:

Happy New Year everyone!

Time to put down the champagne glasses for a minute and get serious about a BIG 2009!  We're pushing towards 1000 members at MyRideisMe.com.  This site is nothing without you!

With great cars, stories and photos from all our members, I need your help to spread the word. Please email/text or send smoke signals to all your buddies.  Please ask them to join MyRideisMe.com

What's in it for you?  With help from Dwayne Vance at Future Elements Design,  I'll give away 2 of his new book, "The Hot Rod Art Book" Masters of Chicken Scratch. Here's a link to the book site and Dwayne offered up deeper insight on himself and pics and a video from the book in this Blog.  Here's a look at the cover...

To get a book, it's easy...

• For existing members, refer a buddy and have that buddy tell me it was you.  That's it!
• For the new member: Be the first member, #1000 or over with the following in your garage:
• Your member avatar (small photo in top left corner.. it's self sizing, so just click to load it)
• One ride loaded (even if it's your grocery getter) with at least 3 pictures
• Fill out the description for Engine, interior, paint and that stuff.

That's it!  You'll have to explain what's needed to your buddy, but it's an easy way to get a very cool book. Email me if you have any questions: admin@myrideisme.com

A couple more things...

Next time you're at MyRideisMe.com, check out the new discussion forum.  I'd like to hear about the best time you've had in your ride for a future blog about the members. Here's my good time!

Finally, if you'll be at the Grand National Roadster Show Jan 24th weekend, look for me!  I'll be the guy with the piston on his chest!

Until next time!

Pikesan 

Hello to the crew at:

Happy Holidays and thanks for everything!! November was our biggest month yet. 

This newsletter includes:

1. Member update & what's new
2. Hot new blog posts
3. Busted Knuckle Garage 25% deal
4. In the Trunk

Member update & what's new : 923 members as of 12/1/08 in the AM.  We're creeping up on 1000 members adding a few every day now.  I'm thrilled!  About 2000 people are visiting a day in November and we're just getting started.  I have many new friends to thank for the site's success.

Thank you to all the new members!  I hope you're finding your way around ok.  Make sure to add to your crew (buddy list) and mark your favorite cars.  What's new? You'll get an email from MyRideisMe when someone leaves a comment in your garage and soon we'll have a members only discussion forum, so keep checking back.

Hot New blog posts:

I just finished a blog about a hot pink gasser-style 1966 Chevy II Super Sport I think you'll like. Bob Sparks, the owner, has a great story to tell about his ride since he had one just like it in 1967.  This is what My Ride is Me. is all about.  

Bob's Super Sport was one of a handful of outstanding rides at the 2008 Goodguys Southwest Nationals near my home in Scottsdale, AZ.  All of the pics and most of the stories from that show are posted.  Check out the picture gallery for all the shots from the show.  They're orgainized by Hot Rods , Custom Cars , Street Machines and Hot Trucks. I still have more to say about this show.

Busted Knuckle Garage Deal: Thanks to Warren over at BustedKnuckleGarage.com, I'm able to pass on an extra bonus to MyRideisMe.com members.  They've got a nice selection of gifts for the gearhead in your life and he'll get'm to you for Christmas. (if you hurry) The deal is 25% off with the coupon code: MYRIDEISME. If you're not sure what to get, take a look at these Magnetic Fingers. They're like one finger from a glove except there's a powerful magnet in the tip.  Very cool! (pictured on the right)  Shoot this email over to your wife (or husband!) to nudge them about a cool stocking stuffer idea. 

 In the Trunk: 

I've been slacking on the Pinup of the Month feature, but I'll have a new one for December, I promise.  Also, I haven't done anything on my 63 Falcon wagon project.  I will!  Erock and Darren are gonna help me bag it before I move forward on the paint.  My honey-do's are almost out of the way, so keep an eye out.  

Finally, check out this poster made by my new friend Jason over at JV Designs.  It was made for the open house over at Squeeg's Kustoms by Doug Jerger, the owner, MyRideisMe and his wife Melissa from Hot Brod apparel.  It shows some of the AMAZING work coming out of Doug's shop in an 18x24 print.  If you see me in AZ, I'll have one for you, or stop by Doug's shop in Mesa, AZ for a poster and pick up a shirt while you're there. (Click on the image, it's BIG so it'll make a great screen saver!)

Here before Christmas, watch for the new forum and lots more to see and read at MyRideisMe.com.  Thanks again!

Until next time!  Happy Holidays!

Pikesan 

Hello to the crew at:

Don't be alarmed!  This is the second newsletter of the month! (but it's a short one...)

I just wanted to tell everyone about the best blog that's ever appeared at MyRideisMe.com. I just wish I wrote it!

It was written by Tom Fritz from Fritzart.com and it's about the thoughts running through his head when creating an absolutely stunning painting of a wheels up front engine dragster using nothing but oil paints, brushes and tons of talent!

Here's a link to the blog: http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/over-my-shoulder-making-hot-rod-art/ 

Here's the finished piece.  (it looks better in the blog when you can see where it came from...) If you dig the blog, please leave a comment.

Bonus: Tom's also let me pass on a deal to everyone that reads this newsletter.  He's offering 50% off 2 prints found at his website.

Here are the links to the prints:

"Desert Zephyr" (Artwork>Hot Rod Classics>Hot Rod Prints) 

"Get Ya A Jug Of Water?" (Artwork>Hot Rod Classics>Automobile Classic Prints) -You should know that the original painting is now owned by Chip Foose.

This deal is 50% off (California residents add 7.25% sales tax.), plus $15 shipping. Each print is hand signed, numbered, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Care Card, then sealed in a heavy 4" mailing tube.

Wait til you see the October Pinup of the month! (it's Halloween you know!)

Until next time!

Pikesan 

Hello to the crew at:

It's been a great month!  There's been alot of changes I'd like to tell everyone about.  MyRideisMe.com has been growing and improving and it's thanks to hard work by alot of new friends. 

This newsletter includes:

1. An updated member count
2. Hottest blogs and Members
3. New Sponsor - AnsenUSA.com
4. In the Trunk

Member count: 772 as of 9/14/08.  That's over 1 new member a day for 47 this month.  Did you know at one time Facebook.com was adding over 7000 new members... per hour!  MyRideisMe.com would lock up and my host would crap a terabyte if that happen!  I just changed the registration (like you care, you're already members) so it's easier to join the crew.  As always, please tell a friend and we'll keep growing.  I appreciate everyone's continued support.

Hottest blogs and Members:

Over at the blog , I changed everything!  Let's be honest, the old format sucked.   When the site was first born, we didn't know what we wanted and then it was too late to change it.  I like it now.  (It looks better then the home page!)

I'd like you to follow the "Church of Hot Rod" fun we've been having here in Chandler, AZ.  My new buddies Doug and Tony were meeting for coffee and invited me.  7AM on Sunday morning, but as hot as it was, that's about the only time we could stand it!  Since then, we've invited the wives, once, grown by about 8 rides and moved to a new Starbucks.  This is "Church of Hot Rod II"

Then, on the how-to side, I haven't written my story about  how my frame cracked (whoa!) but I got another great story from Terry (BlueovalZ) about installing his oil cooler in his trick 240Z. The man's got skills.

Then, don't miss the August Pinup of the month , Kim Falcon. Hot.  Obviously, the 9 stories in the Pinup Category are a big hit... they're the most popular blogs at MyRideisMe! Finally, if you haven't already heard, check out the new hot rod movie called "Deuce of Spades". This is nearly a 1 woman operation making what looks like a powerful film.  From the trailer, this'll be worth a look.  Those of you looking for an update on my Falcon Wagon build, sorry, I'm side-tracked by my roadster trying to finally put in an interior.  More on that later.  I just don't want to hit Goodguys with my car looking exactly the same as last year.

When you find a blog you like, look for: ShareThis. From that link, you can easily email or post any blog to your favorite social bookmarking site like Digg.com or Stumbleupon.com or social network like Myspace or Facebook.   Sharing MyRideisMe like that can only help.  Thanks!

Look for some new pictures that Erock805 took from the Primer Nationals in Ventura, CA within the next couple days.  Erick's also a new convert to the Church of Hot Rod...

I also want to direct you to v8vince from London and Slammed56 from Manchester in the United Kingdom. Ever wonder what the scene's like over there?  Get in touch with these guys (add them to your crew) and find out!

New Sponsor: Check out the USA made, die cast valve covers made by AnsenUSA.com. I'm looking to make a custom valve cover for my 2.3L Ford "Pinto" motor with these guys.  They make several "Cal Custom" looking finned valve covers so this is a perfect fit.  If you want one, make sure to let them know!  With valve covers for just about every make, you'll find something you need.  They're also regulars at So-cal swap meets, so look for them there, too.

 In the Trunk: 

I've probably said enough. Maybe if I did this more then once a month, you'd I wouldn't try to put 10lbs into this 5lbs newsletter! 

I guess the last thing I'll tell you about is gravatar.com. Gravatar means "globally recognized avatar".  It's your avatar, like the one you have here in your garage, but it'll work all over the place when you use your email address.  Pretty cool.  When you leave comments in the blog, if you have a gravatar, it'll show.  So get a gravatar and leave some comments. How else will I know what you like? 

In the next month or so, look for a new home page and some improvements to the garages as well.  All in time.  Anyone who wants to contribute, a story, pics, whatever, please let me know.

Thanks to Bubba, Terry and Devin for all their help.  I can't do this without you guys.

Until next time!

Pikesan 

Hello to the crew at:

Every couple of weeks is turning into about once a month for this newsletter, but I'll keep you posted when we get some great news to share.  This newsletter includes:

1. An updated member count
2. Hottest blogs and Members
3. New Sponsor - Carguygarage.com
4. In the Trunk

Member count: 725 as of 8/11/08.  A special welcome to the 64 new members who joined since last month.  Wow!  Just short of 1 year up and running, I'm pretty happy with that number.  As always, I ask you to forward this email to everyone in your contacts list, even non-car folks cause maybe they know someone who'll really like MyRideisMe.com.  I appreicate everyone's continued support.

Hottest blogs and Members:

For this months top blog, it's a tough choice between Brian Stupski's "Supper Car club " and Terry's T5 TKO rebuild to meet the requirements of his new stroked 351 motor.  They're both good.  If you've got a good sense of humor, read Brian's idea that would get you behind the wheel of this beauty!  This is your once in a lifetime chance to get in on this idea on the ground floor! 

I've also just added another update to my Falcon project and sent a message to everyone who's got a lowrider via my blog about jaebeueno.com .  He's taking some great photos of cars I'd like to see at MyRideisMe.com. If you're interested in blogging for MyRideisMe.com, please let me know.  I promise, it's not hard!  Reply to this email and we'll get you started. 

Look for some new pictures from new Member Alan57 .  He's got a garage here and will be filling up his gallery here .  Thanks Alan!

New Sponsor: I'm very happy to add Car gGuy Garage (Carguygarage.com) as a new sponor.  I was looking for a car lift to solve the space problems in my garage and found Car Guy Garage.  I got a sam day reply to my question, then asked them about joining MyRideisMe.com.  They are a perfect fit!  When you look at their website, you'll see every thing you need to transform your garage to a show place, or the ultimate work shop.  One day my garage will be that organized!  They have a free catalog you can order for everything from flooring and stainless steel cabinets to peg board, they have it all.  Please tell them you're from MyRideisMe.com.

 In the Trunk:

MyRideisMe.com Bowling Shirts: Here's your chance to wear some MyRideisMe.com gear at a very reasonable price.  The shirts look like this:  (no promise you'll look as good as me)  Click on the picture to see a bigger shot.  You can Choose 4 colors from here.  Any size, any color, $30 embroidered and shipped.  If several of you want to order, I should be able to knock the price down.  I'm not really making money on these.

FRIENDS: Special thanks to Swanee, Bubba, Brian and Terry for their outstanding blogs and support.

Finally, please give me some time to fix the format in the blog.  I've got some big plans that should improve the look and navigation.  It might be a bumpy road, but hang in there.

Until next time!

Pikesan  

(We value your privacy.  As always, email reply with REMOVE in the subject and you'll never get another email from MyRideisMe.com)  

 

Thanks for joining:

Back with another newsletter, better late then never!  I'd like to write this once every two weeks, but it keeps sliding.  Maybe we'll stick to monthly. This month's newsletter has:

1. An updated member count
2. New Sheriff in town
   
3. Hottest blogs and Members
4. In the Trunk

Member count: 661 as of 7/8/08.  Not too bad!  I hope everyone's telling their friends and family so we can continue to grow and add more features.  And please, take a close look at the sponsors who keep the site running.  They're all quality vendors in the auto world.  (Don't make me add electric toothbrush ads!)    Thanks for your support. 

New Sheriff in Town: I don't know if anyone noticed the About Us page. Chris Holman, my partner, is off on his next adventure. He's formed a design company with an old friend and work mate. The company's called Creation Product Development. If you're looking for world class concept to finish design or high tech analysis, Creation PD's the way to go. They use Pro/E and Mechanica as well as a host of other state of the art softwares to get the job done on time and right.  From now on, I'm driving MyRideisMe.com... solo.

Chris is also taking the Motorcycle parts of MyRideisMe.com and porting it to a new site called Teknikka.com. It's not up yet, but look for it soon. I thank Chris for his guidance and steady hand and level head when we first started MyRideisMe.com. We'll continue to be friends and co-supporters for all our business adventures.

Hottest blogs and Members:

One of our new members is Old Speed Hot Rods . Mike and Rick have a plan to unveil one new rod each year at the Grand National Roadster show, then build 10 more just like it for sale.  They've got some great pics in their GARAGE and more build pics at their website.  Then there's the "canuck " DW Horton from Breslau Canada representing the Welder Series shop.  Pretty soon, we're going to launch a series of "How-To's" on welding.  (I sure need it!)  The Welder Series media-rich website has all kinds brackets, tabs and kits for car builders.  Check it out.  Of course, his 32 coupe is under construction!

Then for the latest in blogs, I gotta show off the handy work of my buddies and I as we tore apart my Falcon Wagon, Overhaulin' style.  (HERE's all 3 blogs ) Chip didn't make it, but 12 hands and 7 hours after driving the car into the garage, it was a shell with doors and suspension, THAT'S IT!  Now I have to put it back together!  I'll be doing MANY more blogs about the build, including a beginner's how-to on body work.  I knew nothing about body work, so I'll show you what I learned and how I put it to use. That blog is coming soon...  Thanks to Matt at Squeeg's Kustom for the 6 hour lesson.  About 15 more years and I might be a body man!  (click the picture to read the blog) 

In the Trunk:

FEEDBACK: Since I've received none from the last newsletter, I'll assume I'm doing everything perfectly!  Nothing to say?  Look for an online survey from MyRideisMe.com to make it easy for you to throw 2-cents in.  With your help, this will be the best online automotive site in the world. 

ADVERTISERS: I'm happy to have Tom Fritz and Fritzart.com as a new sponsor.  His work is unbelievable.  Tom's making an exclusive, start to finish blog about a new painting he's doing.  Watch for it.  Any other business owners out there?  For $25/month, you can't go wrong!  Reply to this email for more info.

FRIENDS: Once again, thanks to Swanee , Bubba  and Amber.  These guys help alot behind the scenes.  I couldn't run MyRideisMe without them.  A special NO-thanks to Joe. Joe drove the new Nissan GTR to a local show (my idea) when I was out of town!  I'm trying to do it again... anything to snake a ride in Godzilla!

Until next time!

Pikesan  

(We value your privacy.  As always, email reply with REMOVE in the subject and you'll never get another email from MyRideisMe.com)  

 

Thanks for joining:

You'll see a new look to this newsletter.  From here on out, the MyRideisMe.com newsletter will go out about every 2 weeks and include:

1. An updated member count
2. Hottest blogs and Members
3. In the Trunk

Member count: 596 as of 5/21/08.  That number grows daily, we hope, so think of it as 600 going on 1000!  Not bad for about 9 months! We still need your help! Forward this email to everyone you know.  Who knows? They might have a friend, uncle or cousin that's into hot rods, kustoms, bikes, pinups!!

Hottest blogs and Members:

Our top new blog's easy to pick..  Check out this pic and you'll know why. David Perry's images are sizzling in this blog and all the pictures he shared are in the Picture Gallery .  I hope you enjoy them!  10,554 people have read it so far according to Google!

The book, Hot Rod Pinups I is available in the MyRideisMe.com Amazon book store (We get a cut if you buy it there) or you should be able to find it online.  The Amazon price is pretty good... I checked... Hot Rod Pinups II is not available yet, but will be soon.  Thanks for everything David!

(click the picture to read the blog)

 

I'm also thrilled with the blog and video from over at Industrial Chassis Inc.  Steve's got a radical 1000 HP twin turbo F100.  He surprised me spinning a doughnut in the parking lot of his shop.  You can hear me laughing at the end of the video!  Here's his MyRideisMe Garage (CLICK ME).  Steve's gonna be the prototype for how businesses can use MyRideisMe as a second web page (or first!).  It's free, so show off what you can do, right?  I've got alot more to say about his shop, so watch for it in a future blog.

(click the picture to read the blog)  

 

 

 

Finally, I have to say something out Brian Stupski from Problem Child Kustoms Studio.  He's featured in not less than 3 high end magazines this month!  Watch for the cover of Rod and Custom this month.  He did the "Dream Car of the Month" and he told me, it "Came to me in a dream..." You'll believe it when you see how wild the rendering and the story are...  You can check out Brian's MyRideisMe Garage too: CLICK ME.

I'm sure you've seen his ads at MyRideisMe.com.  He's done a ton to help us grow, so it's great to see him getting recognition for his great style.  Get his input on a car idea sometime and wait for you head to spin.


In the Trunk:

FEEDBACK: We need feedback! Bend our ear.. let us know how you like MyRideisMe.com?   What do you want to see more of in the blogs?  In the picture gallery?

What's missing at the site?  What new feature should we add to the website next?  A classified?   A discussion forum?  Surprise me!

Who wants a T-shirt with the Piston on it?

ADVERTISERS: Do you own a car/bike related business?  Know someone who does?   Would you like to reach 2000 gearheads a day for only $25/month?  We only show targeted ads to dedicated enthusiasts and we're using all funds generated to bring MORE gearheads to you!   Contact us for more details by replying to this email.

FRIENDS: Special thanks to Swanee , Christopher , Bubba , Amber and Joe for their continued contribution to MyRideisMe.com.  We couldn't make it without you.

Until next time!

Pikesan  

(We value your privacy.  As always, email reply with REMOVE in the subject and you'll never get another email from MyRideisMe.com)  

 

My Ride is Me Members,

Here’s what’s up:

1. Intro
2. Member Drive Lucky ones!
3. New Features
4. Membership facts
5. How you can help MyRideisMe!
6.  Wrap up

Hello everyone and Happy Holidays!!  Christmas has been busy for Chris and I, that’s why we’ve been slacking on the blogs… look for some fresh blogs coming soon. Pikesan’s finally added his 63 Falcon Wagon to his garage and Napalm (Chris) has been busy trying to get his XJ550 on the road.. he’s almost there.  We hope everyone is still enjoying MyRideisMe.com  

Member Drive Lucky ones!: To help brighten the holiday season, MyRideisMe’s handing out the gifts from our member drive!  Here’s the lucky ones:

Lincoln Electric Welding helmet for: LIL_NEWT

Problem Child Kustoms’ Limited Edition 1932 Ford Print for: ratmaster

MyRideisMe.com T-Shirts: corvettegirl;            stevelap            and       PHXWHEEL  

Rodvisions.com Custom 1 view illustration for: silverlostdog

Janne Kutja Ultra cool print for: sevendeuce

MyRideisMe.com SEMA Hot Wheel and HemiDog for: flyrod69

Don and Annette Boucher’s Automotive Detailing Bucket for: 86crazyhorse

Congratulations everyone!!

New Features: We’re excited to debut the Picture Gallery! There, you’ll find pictures from all the events we’ve attended as well as ALL of the pics from MyRideisMe shown by lifestyle or randomly.  If you take pics at any motorsport event, let us know!  Maybe we can feature your pics at MyRideisMe.  Contact Us

Also, to increase interaction between the members, now any member can add comments to a garage.  In the past, only crew members could add comments.  Please check your garages for new comments.  You may delete any comment.  Please let us know if any problems come up. 

Membership facts:  We’re up to 455 members at last count; 315 cars and 79 bikes.  Where are all the bike guys?  Thanks to all the new members.  Please don’t forget to add an avatar to your page.  Here’s all the HELP you’ll need to make a KILLER GARAGE.

How you can help MyRideisMe:  Believe me, we need A LOT of help!

Your discussion forum signature:  If you belong to a discussion forum, you can easily add your garage like this: [url=www.myrideisme.com/Garage/member name] member's Garage [/url]  (change the underlined parts & make sure you copy your member name exactly as it appears!)  This really helps get people over to MyRideisMe.com

Reply to the blogs: If you see something you like, add your comment!  Anyone (not just members) can add comments to the blogs.

Write a blog! Give it a try!  Members Mr. Freeze and virginotter have already written blogs.  It’s tough for us to do it all, so please give us a hand.  Anything auto/moto related could be a blog.  Joe, are you listening?

Forward this email to your friends: Please tell EVERYONE about MyRideisMe.com and ask them to join.

Two last things:  Please take a look at our sponsors so we can continue to add new features to MyRideisMe.com.  Also, please add admin@myrideisme.com to your safe senders list in your email. 

See you in the Garage!

Craig Pike and Chris Holman

Founders, MyRideisMe.com

If at any time you don’t want to receive emails from MyRideisMe.com, you can change your email preference yourself (check the new help!) or email us with “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject.  We’ll do our best to keep the emails short, interesting and “occasional” so please stick with us!

 

My Ride is Me Members,

First of all, MyRideisMe.com would like to say, “THANK YOU!”  We’ve recently had an explosion of new membership with more than 100 people joining in the last few days.  That brings us up to 380 and counting.  Many of those new members are from the MyRideisMe feature in the Lincoln Electric iWeld newsletter.  There’s always something good in iWeld, so please subscribe. Welcome to all of you! 

I hope everyone is aware of our Member Drive.  We’ll be giving away some great gifts, so make sure you tell your friends!  Also, make sure they select “from and existing member” and put in your member name when they register.  So Far, Mr. Freeze is leading the charge!  He’s referred 5 new members and is well on his way to getting the Welding Helmet from Lincoln Electric or Limited edition print from Problem Child Kustoms.  Feel free to forward this email to your friends to show them why they should join.

We’re also getting a few new members from the Goodguys car show in Scottsdale, AZ last weekend.  MyRideisMe took a BUNCH of pictures from that show.  We’ll be posting those as soon as we can, so if you like Hot Rods, Customs and Muscle Cars, stay tuned!  Here’s the blogs we’ve done so far: The Big Show: Goodguys Scottsdale, AZ & Feature Rides Coming Soon

With all the new members, we want to make sure everyone takes advantage of the features at MyRideisMe.  We’re trying to make everything as easy as possible, but we’ve fallen short in a few places.  So, please take a look at the HELP? section that’s been recently updated with pictures and videos to make it easier.  Here’s what you’ll find:

[+] I'm having some trouble on the page, what's up?

[+] How does the home page work?

[+] What can I do in my Garage?

[+] How do I add a member to "My Crew"

[+] How do I add a "Cool Ride" to my Garage?

[+] How do I change my Name, Password and Email Preference?

[+] I can't remember my Username or Password

[+] I need help arranging my pictures

[+] Add or change your avatar

[+] What the heck is an AVATAR?

[+] Why isn't my picture on the home page under "New Member"?

[+] What new features should we add?

If you have any other questions, please ask!  I hope to see an Avatar for every member so we can find you on the Homepage.

Two last things:  Please take a look at our sponsors so we can continue to add new features to MyRideisMe.com.  Also, please add admin@myrideisme.com to your safe senders list in your email. 

If at any time you don’t want to receive emails from MyRideisMe.com, you can change your email preference yourself (check the new help!) or email us with “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject.  We’ll do our best to keep the emails short, interesting and “occasional” so please stick with us!

Thank you for all your support!  Oh, and if you’re in the USA, have a great Thanksgiving!

See you in the Garage!

Craig Pike and Chris Holman

Founders, MyRideisMe.com